Panasonic TX-L65WT600 review

This is the shape of 4K Ultra HD TVs to come - packing HDMI 2.0 and amazing pictures

Panasonic TX-L65WT600
Editor's Choice
The Panasonic TX-L65WT600 is the first Ultra HD with HDMI 2.0

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The Panasonic TX-L65WT600 is the real deal when it comes to 4K UHD.

It's upscaling performance puts it in line with other 4K debutants, and its native 4K performance is nothing short of jawdropping.

But what truly sets it apart from the competition is its support for higher-frame rates. Panasonic has stolen a march on the competition with the provision of HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2, and this alone should be enough to persuade many early adopters to jump onboard the UHD bandwagon.

We may have reservations about the set's sonic performance, but with a great UI and strong connected experience, it'll take a lot more than whispering woofers to that to dampen our enthusiasm for this beautiful TV.

We liked

Sky may still be trialling 4K acquisition, but thanks to the provision of HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2, this debut 4K offering from Panasonic is already prepared for a high frame rate broadcast future.

With stunning levels of fine detail, sumptuous build quality and an easy to live with user interface, this big-screen is looking like a great bet.

We disliked

Despite all its inherent luxury, the WT600 fails to impress on the audio front. It just doesn't have the volume or presence to get by on its own.

A soundbar solution or full 5.1 theatre system will be an inevitable upgrade. The set is also sensitive to off axis viewing, with colour and contrast falling away rapidly when viewed from the side.

Verdict

Panasonic's TX-L65WT600 offers the first sighting of tomorrow's high frame rate 4K, and it's a thrilling display.

Astonishingly clear images that are eye-soothingly easy to watch, 4K at 60Hz looks likely to transform sports coverage.

Not that all 4K is destined to be at 60Hz; movies for the most part look likely to remain at 24fps, and this set seems fine with that too. Early adopters looking for a forward-looking UHD TV need look no further. It looks like the future has arrived ahead of schedule.

Also consider

The TX-L65WT600's biggest rival is the Sony KD-65X9005A. Unquestionably Sony's best TV in a decade, the X9 combines audacious design with superb audio and excellent performance.

Sony is planning a firmware update to bring 50/60Hz compatibility to the set later this year. If you're looking for rather more affordable 4K, consider Toshiba's 58-inch L9, priced at £2,999.

TOPICS
Steve May
Home entertainment AV specialist

Steve has been writing about AV and home cinema since the dawn of time, or more accurately, since the glory days of VHS and Betamax. He has strong opinions on the latest TV technology, Hi-Fi and Blu-ray/media players, and likes nothing better than to crank up his ludicrously powerful home theatre system to binge-watch TV shows.

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